Daijiworld Media Network - Chennai

Chennai, Nov 15: Asia–Pacific is poised to become the world’s biggest aviation market in the next two decades, with Airbus forecasting a demand for 19,560 new aircraft by 2043. The projected surge is driven by strong economic expansion, rapid urbanisation and a steady rise in air travel across the region — with India and China expected to lead this growth.

In India, domestic air traffic continues to expand at one of the fastest rates globally. Rising disposable incomes and widening regional connectivity are pushing airlines to plan long-term, with Airbus estimating a need for more than 2,200 new aircraft over the next 20 years, largely single-aisle jets for short-haul routes. Record purchase orders and the expansion of pilot and technician training programmes indicate that Indian carriers are preparing for heavy future demand.

China, already among the world’s largest aviation markets, is expected to retain strong momentum as passenger numbers grow and secondary cities become increasingly integrated into national aviation routes. The country will require both single-aisle and wide-body aircraft as its airlines focus on expanding and renewing their fleets.

Airbus further expects aviation services — including maintenance, training and digital operations — to grow rapidly across Asia-Pacific, with the market projected to more than double by 2043, creating high demand for aviation professionals.

The long-term outlook marks a clear shift in global aviation, positioning Asia-Pacific — led by India and China — as the future centre of global air travel growth.